Buried Child
by Sam Shepard
About_
This study guide covers Sam Shepard’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play ‘Buried Child,’ a dark exploration of the American
family and the secrets that rot its foundation. Set in a dilapidated Illinois farmhouse in 1978, the play follows the
disintegration of the Dodge family as buried truths resurface through the arrival of outsiders. Students will engage
with factual comprehension questions, critical analysis prompts, a crossword puzzle, and a character focus activity
designed to deepen understanding of this seminal work of American drama. This study guide contains 65 questions
across 5 chapter sections (50 Factual + 15 Critical), 1 Crossword Puzzle (12 clues), and 1 Character Focus Activity.
What’s Included_
This study guide features 5 sets of 10 Factual Questions with an answer key (50 total), 5 sets of 3 Critical Analysis
Questions (15 total), 1 Crossword Puzzle (12 clues), and 1 Character Focus Activity (8 traits + evidence prompt +
critical thinking question).
Target Grades_
Grades 11-12
Teacher Note_
This study guide offers a powerful framework for exploring one of the most important plays in the American canon.
Shepard’s raw, poetic language and unflinching examination of family dysfunction make ‘Buried Child’ an ideal text
for advanced students ready to grapple with themes of guilt, inheritance, and the dark underbelly of the American
Dream. The combination of factual and critical questions builds comprehension while encouraging students to
analyze symbolism, character psychology, and dramatic structure. We hope this resource saves you valuable
preparation time while sparking rich classroom discussions about a family whose secrets refuse to stay buried.